Each country requires a different procedure. And although the general process is very similar in many points, it is essential that you find out which steps and documents you must provide according to your particular case.
As we have seen, perhaps you must pass an extra test to get your Spanish license, or perhaps that is not necessary.
However, this process is always managed by the Directorate General of Traffic in Spain (the DGT), and can be done in two different ways: online from their website, or in person.
In both cases you must prepare all the documentation (which we will see below), and deliver it to the provincial headquarters.
If you do it online, you will have to upload those documents in pdf format (you will need a digital certificate and electronic signature). Once you have uploaded these papers, you will be able to print a provisional document that will serve as a provisional license.
Afterwards, you’ll still need to make an appointment at any DGT office to hand in your old driving card and to submit a photo of yourself so that they can make your new Spanish card.
If you choose to do the whole process in person, the first step is getting an appointment with the DGT and handing in all the necessary documents.
Once you have submitted all the documents, you will be given a provisional driving license for 3 months (paper format). With this official paper, you will be able to drive for 90 days, time that it takes to receive the official license at home. Prior to that, you should always carry your TIE or Spanish ID card with you while driving.
If you can’t attend by yourself, you can always designate a representative to do the paperwork for you (and deliver all the documentation). In that case, you will have to present extra paperwork: a document authorizing him/her to formalize the arrangements on your behalf (in addition to presenting her ID).
